[K T Ong]

Rufus noticed the strangers and stood up to greet them.

"Allow me to introduce you to each other, my friends," said Sir Jorlon, face beaming with delight. "This is StoneRock. And this is Khadgar, a mage of great erudition."

"How do you do, friends," said Rufus with a smile, shaking hands with the dwarf and the tall wizard. "I'm Rufus, the student and adopted son of the archmage Magnus Viridinus."

Khadgar's eyes widened. "Magnus Viridinus!" he cried, gripping Rufus by a shoulder. "So you're his adopted son!"

"Uhhh... Well, yes, I am..." replied Rufus. "You know my master?"

"Yes!" replied Khadgar with enthusiasm. "How's your master? We've been colleagues for years at the Jefferson College of Magic! I can still remember how he always excelled in the concoction of potions," recalled Khadgar fondly, "though of course I'm the expert when it comes to enchanting weapons and armor!"

"I'm sure I could profit immensely from your knowledge, Sir," said Rufus with a grin, "if you would be willing to share it."

"For sure," replied Khadgar. "You know of the Fire Aura of Brihaspati? Awesome spell, this. You take a weapon and cast this spell on it, and it will be constantly wreathed in magical fire, allowing one who uses the weapon to inflict greater injury upon his foes. The spell can be cast at four levels of potency, but it can only be cast on bladed weapons -- "

"You'll never change, Khadgar," chided StoneRock, shaking his head. "You always get carried away. Don't mind this old man," he continued, turning to Rufus. "He's so old he's getting a bit senile --"

"StoneRock, I'm warning you..." growled Khadgar, pointing a long, gaunt finger at him.

"There, there," cut in Sir Jorlon, "there's no need to quarrel! We're all friends, aren't we? Come, let's come inside the tent and help ourselves to some refreshments first."

As they stepped inside the tent, Sir Jorlon's friends noticed a strange man in armor, sitting down quietly in a corner with gaze turned downwards.

"Who is he?" muttered StoneRock.

Sir Morguerat's gaze turned up to meet theirs. "Greetings, strangers," he said softly with a tired smile.

[ 04-05-2002, 04:25 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]